Diverter apparatus and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

Various embodiments are directed to a diverter apparatus and method of using the same. In various embodiments, the diverter apparatus is configured to selectively direct an exemplary object traveling along a conveyor travel path to one of a plurality of adjacent conveyor locations. In various embodiments, the diverter apparatus may comprise a diverter conveyor surface, a cam follower, and a cam comprising a rotational range of motion about a cam shaft axis, the cam being physically engaged with the cam follower. Various embodiments are directed to a diverter apparatus configured to utilize a plurality of forces generated by the rotational motion of the cam to facilitate the transition of the directional configuration of the diverter conveyor surface from the first directional configuration to the second directional configuration, and, subsequently, from the second directional configuration back to the first directional configuration, again using the rotational motion of the cam.

PRIORITY CLAIM

This application is a continuation application of, and claims priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/791,307 entitled “A DIVERTERAPPARATUS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME” filed on Feb. 14, 2020 which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Various example embodiments described herein relate generally todiverter apparatuses to be used in conveyor systems. In particular,various example embodiments are directed to electronic diverterapparatuses configured to utilize cam-activated, bi-directional diverteractuation.

BACKGROUND

Industrial manufacturing and packaging applications may use conveyorsystems to facilitate the transportation of objects to a desireddelivery location within, for example, a factory or a warehouse. Inparticular, a diverter apparatus may be used within a conveyor system todivert the travel path of an object traveling along a conveyor system.Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, Applicant has solvedproblems relating to conveyor apparatuses by developing solutionsembodied in the present disclosure, which are described in detail below.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Various embodiments are directed to diverter apparatuses and methods forusing the same. Various embodiments are directed to a diverter apparatuscomprising: a diverter conveyor surface configured to transport anobject disposed thereon to one of a plurality of adjacent conveyorlocations based at least in part on a directional configuration thereof,wherein the directional configuration of the diverter conveyor surfacemay be configurable between at least a first directional configurationand a second directional configuration, each directional configurationcorresponding to one of the plurality of adjacent conveyor locations; acam follower; and a cam comprising a rotational range of motion about acam shaft axis, the cam being physically engaged with the cam followerand where at least one force generated by a rotational motion of the camcauses a change of a directional configuration of the diverter conveyor.

In various embodiments, the at least one force may comprise a firstforce and a second force; wherein the diverter apparatus is configuredto utilize the first force generated by a rotational motion of the camto transition the directional configuration of the diverter conveyorsurface from the first directional configuration to the seconddirectional configuration; and wherein the diverter apparatus is furtherconfigured to utilize the second force generated by the rotationalmotion of the cam to transition the directional configuration of thediverter conveyor surface from the second directional configuration tothe first directional configuration.

In various embodiments, the cam may comprise a conjugate cam. Further,in various embodiments, the conjugate cam may comprise a first camelement and a second cam element, both the first cam element and thesecond cam element being configured to physically engage the camfollower. In various embodiments, the at least one force comprises afirst force and a second force, wherein the first cam element isconfigured to transmit a first force to the cam follower, and whereinthe second cam element is configured to transmit a second force to thecam follower. In various embodiments, the cam follower may be configuredto rotate about a cam follower axis based at least in part on therotational motion of the cam physically engaged therewith. Further, thecam follower may be configured to rotate both a clockwise direction anda counterclockwise direction about the cam follower axis based at leastin part on the rotational motion of the cam physically engagedtherewith.

In various embodiments, the diverter apparatus may further comprise aplurality of wheel sets, each wheel set comprising a plurality of wheelsdefining at least a portion of the diverter conveyor surface; wherein adirectional configuration of each of the plurality of wheel sets isindependently configurable. Further, in various embodiments, thediverter apparatus may further comprise a plurality of cams respectivelycorresponding to the plurality wherein each of the plurality of wheelsets corresponds to one of the plurality of cams, and wherein each ofthe plurality of cams is configured to control the directionalconfiguration of the wheel set corresponding thereto. Further, incarious embodiments, each of the plurality of cams may comprise adifferent angular configuration about a cam shaft engaged therewith.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of wheel sets comprises adifferent directional configuration. In various embodiments, each of theplurality of wheel sets may comprise a wheel set base configured tosupport each of the plurality of wheels of the corresponding wheel setso as to restrict the linear displacement of each of the plurality ofwheels of the corresponding wheel set relative to the wheel set base.Further, in various embodiments, the wheel set base may be selectivelyadjustable between a plurality of wheel set base positions, wherein adirectional configuration of each of the plurality of wheel sets may bebased at least in part on the wheel set base position of thecorresponding wheel set base. In various embodiments, the diverterapparatus may further comprise a wheel set drive assembly configured todrive at least one of a plurality of plurality of wheels defining atleast a portion of the diverter conveyor surface so as to facilitate themovement of the object along the diverter conveyor surface.

Various embodiments are directed to a method of selectively configuringthe directional configuration of a diverter apparatus, the methodcomprising: generating a first reconfiguration force using a firstrotational motion of a cam, the first reconfiguration force beingconfigured to transition a conveyor surface from a first directionalconfiguration to a second directional configuration; transitioning aconveyor surface from the first directional configuration to the seconddirectional configuration based at least in part on the firstreconfiguration force generated using the first rotational motion of thecam; generating a second reconfiguration force using a second rotationalmotion of the cam, the second reconfiguration force being configured totransition the conveyor surface from the second directionalconfiguration to the first directional configuration, wherein the secondrotational motion of the cam is defined by a rotation of the cam in adirection opposite to that of the first rotational motion of the cam;and transitioning the conveyor surface from the second directionalconfiguration to the first directional configuration based at least inpart on the second reconfiguration force generated using the secondrotational motion of the cam.

In various embodiments, the cam may comprise a conjugate cam. In variousembodiments, the conjugate cam may comprise a first cam element and asecond cam element, both the first cam element and the second camelement being configured to physically engage a cam follower. Further,in various embodiments, the conveyor surface may comprise a plurality ofwheel sets, each wheel set comprising a plurality of wheels defining atleast a portion of the conveyor surface, wherein a directionalconfiguration of each of the plurality of wheel sets is independentlyconfigurable. In certain embodiments, the method may further compriseselectively reconfiguring the directional configuration of a first wheelset of the plurality of wheel sets of the conveyor surface based atleast in part on a determination that the first wheel set is physicallyengaged with at least a portion of an object disposed upon the conveyorsurface. Further, in certain embodiments, the method may furthercomprise selectively adjusting a wheel set base of a wheel set of theplurality of wheel sets between a plurality of wheel set base positions,wherein the wheel set base is configured to support each of theplurality of wheels of the corresponding wheel set so as to restrict thelinear displacement of each of the plurality of wheels of thecorresponding wheel set relative to the wheel set base, and wherein adirectional configuration of each of the plurality of wheel sets may bebased at least in part on the wheel set base position of thecorresponding wheel set base.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conveyor system encompassingan exemplary diverter apparatus configured in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary diverter apparatusconfigured in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate top views of various exemplary diverterapparatuses configured in accordance with various embodiments describedherein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of various components of anexemplary diverter apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of various components of an exemplarydiverter apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of various components of anexemplary diverter apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate various components of an exemplary diverterapparatus in accordance with an example embodiment.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various components of an exemplary diverterapparatus in accordance with an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure more fully describes various embodiments withreference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood thatsome, but not all embodiments are shown and described herein. Indeed,the embodiments may take many different forms, and accordingly thisdisclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that thisdisclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout.

The words “example,” or “exemplary,” when used herein, are intended tomean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Anyimplementation described herein as an “example” or “exemplaryembodiment” is not necessarily preferred or advantageous over otherimplementations.

Conveyor assemblies may be used in, for example, industrialmanufacturing and packaging applications to facilitate thetransportation of objects to a desired delivery location within afactory or a warehouse. In some logistical scenarios, conveyorassemblies may comprise an intricate web of conveyor sections defined byvarious intersections, checkpoints, and alternative travel paths basedupon a particular characteristic of the object traveling throughout theassembly. In such circumstances, a conveyor may comprise an apparatussuch a diverter apparatus configured to physically direct theaforementioned objects to one of a plurality of alternative travelpaths. In various embodiments, a diverter apparatus may be positionedproximate an intersection of adjacent conveyor sections and may compriseone or more rollers, wheels, bearings, and/or the like that areconfigured to divert an object traveling along the conveyor in a firstdirection towards an adjacent conveyor section extending in a seconddirection that is distinct from the original travel direction of theobject.

For example, various diverter apparatuses may utilize pneumaticcomponents in order to execute the actuation of a diversion mechanisms.In certain circumstances, however, installation of a conveyor systemhaving various pneumatic components can be cumbersome and expensive.

Alternatively or additionally, a diverter apparatus may compriseelectric diversion actuation components. In such circumstances, anelectronic signal may be transmitted to a diverter apparatus so as toconfigure each of a plurality of rollers and/or rows of wheels defininga conveyor surface in a diversion configuration. Such a configurationrequires the subsequent objects traveling along the conveyor surface tobe sufficiently spaced apart such that a first object is clear of adiverter conveyor surface before the second, subsequent object mayengage the diverter conveyor surface, thereby reducing the efficiencyand overall capacity of such a conveyor system.

Further, certain electric diverter apparatuses utilize cam-operateddiverter actuators, such that the directional configuration of thediverter apparatus (e.g., between a straight directional configurationand a diversion configuration) is driven by the interaction of a camassembly configured to use the rotational motion of a cam to generate adiverter actuation from a first directional configuration to a diversionconfiguration. In such circumstances, a cam may be configured to engagea cam follower at a single point of engagement such that the rotation ofthe cam drives the cam follower in a first direction, where the diverterapparatus may be configured to transmit that directional force so as tocause, for example, a plurality of wheels or rollers to pivot to adiversion configuration. In such circumstances, however, upon drivingthe cam follower in a first direction, the cam cannot effectivelyretract that motion so as to reconfigure the diverter apparatus from adiversion configuration to the original first directional configuration.As such, a diverter apparatus may comprise one or more mechanicalcomponents such as, for example, a spring configured to return thediverter apparatus to the original directional configuration. In suchcircumstances, repeatedly using a biasing mechanism, such a spring, maylead to premature failure of the apparatus caused by, spring fatigueand/or other similar deficiencies associated with such components. Suchdiverter apparatuses not only experience decreased efficiency andproduct lifespan, but they require a large amount of power to operate ona routine basis.

Described in example embodiments herein is a diverter apparatus andmethod of using the same configured to utilize the rotation motion anddual configuration of a conjugate cam to efficiently and effectivelyactuate a diverter mechanism comprising a bidirectional range of motionbetween two directional configurations without requiring extraneousmechanical and/or pneumatic components. As described by way of theexamples described herein, the diverter apparatus may be configured toutilize the conjugate cam and cam follower to generate rotational forcesat each of the plurality of wheels comprising at least a portion of adiverter conveyor surface such that the wheels may rotate from a firstangular configuration to a second angular configuration, and furtherfrom the second angular configuration, back to the first angularconfiguration. A conjugate cam, using a plurality of cam elements may beconfigured to generate both a pulling force and, separately, a pushingforce via the corresponding cam follower in order to selectively controlthe directional configuration of the diverter apparatus between twocorresponding directional configurations.

As discussed herein, certain embodiments of the present disclosure aredirected to a diverter apparatus and method of using the same. Inparticular, various embodiments are directed to electronic diverterapparatuses configured to utilize cam-activated, bi-directional diverteractuation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a conveyor system encompassingan exemplary diverter apparatus configured in accordance with an exampleembodiment. As illustrated a conveyor system 10 may comprise a conveyorframe 13, which may comprise two opposing sidewalls extending in adirection corresponding to a conveyor travel path. The conveyor 10 maycomprise a plurality of unidirectional rollers arranged between theopposite sidewalls of the conveyor frame 13 so as to define a conveyorsurface extending along the conveyor travel path. In variousembodiments, the conveyor 10 may comprise a plurality of conveyorsections, each respectively extending along a corresponding alternativeconveyor travel path. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the conveyor assembly 10may comprise a first conveyor section 11 and a second conveyor section12 extending in a first conveyor direction and a second conveyordirection, respectively. In various embodiments, a conveyor assembly 10may comprise a diverter apparatus 100 arranged in-line with plurality ofrollers and configured to selectively direct an exemplary object (e.g.,a package, parcel, part, and/or the like) traveling downstream along aconveyor travel path to one of either the first conveyor section 11 orthe second conveyor section 12. As described herein, a diverterapparatus 100 may comprise a plurality of rollers (e.g., wheels)configured to define a diverter conveyor surface that may be at leastsubstantially coplanar with at least an adjacent portion of the conveyorsurface defined by the plurality of unidirectional rollers.

The diverter apparatus 100 may be configurable between a plurality ofdirectional configurations, each directional configuration correspondingto one of a plurality of an alternative conveyor travel paths defined atleast in part by a respective conveyor section of the conveyor assembly10. For example, the diverter apparatus 100 may be configurable betweena straight directional configuration, wherein an exemplary objecttraveling along the conveyor surface in a first conveyor direction willcontinue to travel in at least substantially the same direction uponengaging the diverter conveyor surface defined by the diverter apparatus100, and a diversion configuration, wherein an exemplary objecttraveling along the conveyor surface in a first conveyor direction will,upon engaging the diverter conveyor surface, be diverted such that theexemplary object will travel in a second conveyor direction that is atleast partially different from the first conveyor direction, asdescribed herein. As described herein, in various embodiments, adiverter apparatus 100 comprising a diversion configuration may be suchthat the second conveyor direction (e.g., a diversion direction) maycomprise a direction that is at least substantially different from thefirst conveyor direction. Additionally, or alternatively, in variousembodiments, a diverter apparatus 100 exhibiting a diversionconfiguration may be configured so as to divert an exemplary objectengaged therewith towards a particular portion (e.g., lane) of aconveyer section such that the exemplary object may, ultimately,continue to travel in the first conveyor direction upon beingselectively diverted to the particular portion of the conveyor section.

A diversion configuration, as described herein, may be configured suchthat the travel path of an exemplary object traveling along the conveyorsurface and through the diverter conveyor surface defined by thediverter apparatus 100 may comprise a non-linear profile. In variousembodiments, the diverter apparatus 100 may be configured to selectivelydivert the travel path of an exemplary object traveling along theconveyor surface to a second conveyer section, wherein the secondconveyor section is embodied as a branch of the conveyor assembly 10extending from a first section of the conveyor assembly 10 and/or thediverter apparatus 100 in a second conveyor direction.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary diverter apparatus100 in accordance with an example embodiment. As illustrated, theexemplary diverter apparatus 100 comprises a diverter apparatus frame110 configured such that the diverter apparatus may be arranged in-linewith one or more adjacent conveyor sections of a conveyor assembly 10.The diverter apparatus frame 110 may comprise a first frame panel 111and a second frame panel 112, each extending from a front end of thediverter apparatus to a back end of the diverter apparatus. In variousembodiments, the first frame panel 111 and the second frame panel 112may be arranged in an at least substantially parallel configurationrelative to one another and such that a distance therebetween may be atleast substantially similar to the width of the one or more adjacentconveyor sections.

In various embodiments, the diverter apparatus 100 may comprise at leastone diverter wheel set 124. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2, theexemplary diverter apparatus comprises three diverter wheel sets. Invarious embodiments, a diverter wheel set 124 may comprise a pluralityof wheels 124 operatively attached to a diverter wheel set base 240extending along a central linear axis, the plurality of wheels 124 beingarranged in one or more rows along the diverter wheel set base 240. Forexample, the central linear axis of the diverter wheel set 124 (e.g.,the diverter wheel set base 240) may extend between the first framepanel 111 and the second frame panel 112 of the diverter apparatus frame110. In various embodiments, the plurality of wheels 124 of a diverterwheel set 124 may comprise one or more wheel pairs, wherein a wheel paircomprises a first wheel and a second wheel arranged within the samehorizontal plane and positioned proximate to one another and such thatthe first wheel is in front of the second wheel with respect to thedirectional configuration of the diverter apparatus 100 (e.g., whenmeasured from the front end to the back end of the diverter apparatus100). The first wheel and the second wheel of a wheel pair may bealigned so as to be directionally aligned. For example, as illustrated,the plurality of wheels 124 of the exemplary diverter wheel setcomprises five wheel pairs, each of which is disposed about a commondiverter wheel set base 240 so as to define two rows of wheels extendingbetween the first frame panel 111 and the second frame panel 112.Although described in reference to various embodiments as comprising afirst wheel and a second wheel, it should be understood that in variousembodiments, a wheel pair, as described herein, may comprise more thantwo wheels, such as, for example, three wheels, five wheels, sevenwheels, and/or the like. As described herein, the plurality of wheels124 of the at least one diverter wheel set may define a diverterconveyor surface 120 comprising a horizontal plane upon which anexemplary object may be disposed. The diverter conveyor surface 120 maybe configured such that the exemplary object disposed thereon may travelfrom a front end of the diverter apparatus 100 to a back end of thediverter apparatus 100 along a travel path defined, at least in part,according to the directional configuration of the diverter apparatus100. For example, the diverter conveyor surface 120 may be at leastsubstantially coplanar with at least an adjacent conveyor surfacedefined by a plurality of unidirectional rollers of an adjacent conveyorsection of the conveyor assembly 10.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate top views of various exemplary diverterapparatuses configured in accordance with various embodiments describedherein. As illustrated, and as described herein, each of the pluralityof wheels 124 of diverter wheel set may be configured to rotate relativeto the diverter apparatus frame 110 about a vertical axis so as todefine the directional configuration of the diverter corresponding wheelset 124. In various embodiments, the directional configuration of atleast a portion of the plurality of wheels 124 of a diverter wheel setmay define, at least in part, the directional configuration of thediverter apparatus 100. For example, at least a portion of the pluralityof wheels 124 in a diverter wheel set may be configurable between astraight directional configuration and a diversion configuration, asillustrated in FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. The diverter apparatus 100may be configured such that a diversion configuration of one or more ofthe at least one diverter wheel sets 124 may correspond to a conveyordirection of an adjacent conveyor section, such that exemplary objecttraveling on the diverter conveyor surface 120 may be redirected towardsthe adjacent conveyor section. In various embodiments, each of theplurality of wheels 124 of a diverter wheel set may be controlledsimultaneously such that each of the plurality of wheels 124 (e.g., eachof the wheel pairs) is configured in the same directional configuration.

In various embodiments, wherein the diverter apparatus 100 comprises aplurality of diverter wheel sets 124, one or more of the plurality ofdiverter wheel sets 124 may be independently controlled such that afirst diverter wheel set 121 may be configured in a straight directionalconfiguration while a second wheel set 122 is configured in a diversionconfiguration. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3B, the diverter apparatus 100comprises three diverter wheel sets 121, 122, 123, each having aplurality of wheels 124 defined by five wheel pairs. For example, as anexemplary object travels along the diverter conveyor surface 120, afront end of the exemplary object may first engage the plurality ofwheels 124 of a first diverter wheel set 121, followed in sequence bythose of a second diverter wheel set 122, and a third diverter wheel set123. Similarly, a back end of the exemplary object may first disengagethe first diverter wheel set 121, then the second diverter wheel set122, and lastly the third diverter wheel set 123. In order to redirectthe exemplary object to an adjacent conveyor section such that it mayexhibit a non-linear travel path, the first diverter wheel set 121 maybe selectively configured in a diversion configuration prior to thefront end thereof engaging one or more of the plurality of wheels 124 ofthe first diverter set 121. In such a circumstance, the second and thirddiverter wheel sets 122, 123 may be similarly selectively configured ina diversion configuration prior to the front end of the exemplary objectengaging the respective pluralities of wheels thereof. In variousembodiments, the each of the diverter wheel sets 121, 122, 123 mayremain in a diversion configuration until it is determined that the backend of the exemplary object has disengaged the corresponding pluralityof wheels 124 (e.g., that the exemplary object has traveled past thediverter wheel set). For example, where the diverter apparatus 100 maybe configured such that the back end of the exemplary object may firstdisengage the first diverter wheel set 121, the configuration firstdiverter wheel set 121 may be selectively transitioned from thediversion configuration to a straight directional configuration upon theexemplary package disengaging therewith, based at least in part on thepredetermined travel path of a subsequent exemplary package. In such acircumstance, wherein the exemplary object has disengaged the firstdiverter wheel set 121, but remains engaged with both the second andthird diverter wheel sets 122, 123, the first diverter wheel set 121 maycomprise a straight directional configuration while the second and thirddiverter wheel sets 122, 123 remain in a diversion configuration. Asdescribed herein, such a configuration wherein one or more of aplurality of diverter wheel sets of a diverter apparatus isindependently controllable may reduce the requisite amount of spaceand/or time required between an exemplary object travelling to a firstadjacent conveyor section and an immediately subsequent exemplary objecttravelling to a second adjacent conveyor section extending in adifferent direction than the first adjacent conveyor section.

FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of various components of anexemplary diverter apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment.In particular, the exemplary diverter apparatus displayed in FIG. 4comprises three diverter wheel sets. As illustrated, each of theexemplary diverter wheel sets comprises a plurality of wheels 124defined by five wheel pairs, each wheel pair being disposed about acommon diverter wheel set base 240 so as to define two rows of wheels.In various embodiments, the two wheels of each wheel pair may both beattached to a common wheel pair frame element 235, which may secure thearrangement of each wheel and ensure that the two wheels of a wheel pairremain aligned so as to comprise the same directional configuration.Further, the two wheels of each wheel pair of a diverter wheel set mayboth be operatively connected to the diverter wheel set base 240 of thediverter wheel set via rotatable wheel stem 234, rotatable about avertical axis extending therethrough.

In various embodiments, each diverter wheel set may comprise a wheeldrive assembly. For example, a wheel drive assembly may be configured todrive each of the plurality of wheels 124 of the diverter wheel set suchthat they may spin at a desired rate to facilitate the movement of anexemplary object travelling along an at least substantially flatdiverter conveyor surface 120. In various embodiments, a wheel driveassembly may comprise at least one wheel drive roller 241 and a drivebelt 243. As illustrated, the wheel drive assembly of each diverterwheel set comprises a first wheel drive roller 241, a second wheel driveroller 242, and a plurality of drive belts 243, each drive belt 243thereof corresponding respectively to a wheel pair of the plurality ofwheel pairs defined by the diverter wheel set, as described herein. Eachdrive belt 243 may be configured so as to be physically engaged with atleast one a wheel drive roller and a wheel of the plurality of thewheels of the diverter wheel set. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, adrive belt 243 may be configured to be extend around a first wheel driveroller 241, a second wheel drive roller 242, and both wheels of a wheelpair, physically engaging each of the aforementioned components. Invarious embodiments, one or both of the first roller and second rollersmay be driven by a motor such that the roller may be configured torotate about a central axis thereof based at least in part on powersupplied to the wheel drive roller by a drive motor (not shown). Thedrive assembly of a diverter wheel set may be configured such that therotation of the motor-driven wheel drive roller (e.g., the first wheeldrive roller 241) drives the motion of at least one wheel drive belt 243physically engaged therewith, thereby generating, via the wheel drivebelt 243, a rotational force at each wheel of a wheel pair in contactwith the wheel drive belt 243 causing each wheel of the wheel pair tospin. As described herein, the spinning motion of the plurality ofwheels 124 of a diverter wheel set may facilitate the movement of anexemplary object disposed upon a diverter conveyor surface 120 in adirection corresponding to the directional configuration of the diverterwheel set. The spin rate of each of the wheels of a diverter wheel setmay correspond at least in part to the rate of rotation of amotor-driven wheel drive roller of the wheel drive assembly of thediverter wheel set.

In various embodiments, a diverter wheel set may further comprise adiversion actuation assembly to configure the diverter wheel set betweena plurality of directional configurations. For example, a diversionactuation assembly may cause the plurality of wheels 124 of a diverterwheel set to transition between a straight directional configuration anda diversion conversion, as described herein. In various embodiments, asnon-limiting examples, a diversion actuation assembly may comprise a camassembly 200 comprising a driven cam shaft 201 and a conjugate cam, suchas, for example, conjugate cam 230, a cam follower 220, a cam followershaft 223, a rigid linear motion arm 231, and a wheel setsynchronization element 232. As illustrated, in various embodiments, thediversion actuation assembly may comprise a wheel interface attachment233 configured to operatively connect the rigid linear motion arm 231 tothe wheel set synchronization element 232 such that a directional forceacting on the rigid linear motion arm 231 may be transferred to thewheel set synchronization element 232. In various embodiments, whereinthe diverter apparatus 100 comprises a plurality of diverter wheel sets,the diversion actuation assembly of each diverter wheel set may comprisea corresponding conjugate cam, such as, for example, conjugate cam 230,a cam follower 220, a rigid linear motion arm 231, a wheel interfaceattachment 233, and a wheel set synchronization element 232.

As described herein, a diversion actuation motor (not shown) may beconfigured to cause the cam shaft 201, and a conjugate cam attachedthereto, such as, for example, conjugate cam 230, to rotate about acentral horizontal axis of the cam shaft 201. The diversion actuationassembly may be configured such that the rotational motion of theconjugate cam may cause a force to be exerted from the conjugate cam toa corresponding cam follower 220 physically engaged therewith. The forceexerted on the cam follower 220 may cause the cam follower 220 to move,such as, for example, in a rotational direction about a cam followershaft 223. In various embodiments, the diversion actuation assembly maybe configured such that the rotational displacement of the cam follower220 may cause a force to be exerted from the cam follower 220 to a firstend of a rigid linear motion arm 231 connected thereto. For example, thelinear force transmitted to the rigid linear motion arm 231 may compriseeither a pushing force or a pulling force and may result in the lineardisplacement of the rigid linear motion arm 231 in a direction and anamount that corresponds to the rotational displacement of the camfollower 220 to which a first end of the rigid linear motion arm 231 isattached. In various embodiments, the second end of the rigid linearmotion arm 231 may be attached to a wheel interface attachment 233attached to a wheel set synchronization element 232. The wheel interfaceattachment 233 may be configured such that the linear motion of thesecond end of the rigid linear motion arm 231 may generate a lineardirectional force that is transmitted to the wheel set synchronizationelement 232, thereby causing the wheel set synchronization element 232to undergo a linear displacement mirroring that of the rigid linearmotion arm 231. As described herein, wheel set synchronization element232 may be operatively connected to each of the plurality of wheels 124(e.g., wheel pairs) of a diverter wheel set such that the lineardisplacement thereof may cause each of the plurality of wheels 124(e.g., wheel pairs) of the diverter wheel set to rotate about a verticalaxis defined by the rotatable wheel stem 234 so as to transition from afirst directional configuration to a second directional configuration.For example, the direction and magnitude of angular rotation of theplurality of wheels 124 may correspond, at least in part, to those ofthe linear displacement of the rigid linear motion arm 231 to which eachof the plurality of wheels 124 may be operatively attached (e.g., viathe wheel set synchronization element 232). As described herein, thedirectional configuration of each of the plurality of wheels 124 of adiverter wheel set may be configured to correspond to the position ofthe second end of the rigid linear motion arm 231.

FIG. 5 illustrates a side view of various components of an exemplarydiverter apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment. Inparticular, the exemplary diverter apparatus displayed in FIG. 5comprises a diverter wheel set comprising a diversion actuation assemblyconfigured to utilize a conjugate cam 210 engaged with a correspondingcam follower 220 to facilitate the bi-directional rotation of theplurality of wheels 124 between a straight directional configuration anda diversion configuration. As described in further detail herein,conjugate cam 210 may comprise a plurality of cam elements, such as, forexample, a first cam element 211 and a second cam element 212, arrangedat least substantially proximate to one another, each of the pluralityof cam elements comprising a respective peripheral profile defined by anouter surface thereof. For example, the first cam element 211 and thesecond cam element 212 of conjugate cam 210 may be fixedly secured tothe cam shaft 201 such that when the cam shaft 201 rotates about acentral axis, both the first cam element 211 and the second cam element212 may similarly and simultaneously rotate about the central axis ofthe cam shaft 201.

As shown, in various embodiments, the diverter apparatus 100 maycomprise at least one cam follower 220, which may correspond to the atleast one conjugate cam 210. A cam follower shaft 223 may extend througha portion of the cam follower 220 such that the cam follower 220 may berotatably connected to the cam follower shaft 223. For example, the camfollower shaft 223 may be a static component comprising a central axis,about which the cam follower 220 secured thereto may rotate in either aclockwise or counter clockwise direction in response to various forcesapplied to the cam follower 220 by the corresponding conjugate cam 210.In various embodiments, the cam follower 220 may comprise a plurality ofcam element interfaces 221, 222 fixedly attached to the cam follower220, each of which may be configured to physically engage an outerperipheral surface of a respective cam element 211, 212. For example,the cam follower 220 may comprise a first cam element interface 221configured to remain in contact with the first cam element 211 of theconjugate cam 210, and a second cam element interface 222 configured toremain in contact with the second cam element 212 of the conjugate cam210. Both the first cam element interface 221 and the second cam elementinterface 222 may be configured to remain in contact with the peripheralouter surface of the corresponding cam element throughout the entiretyof a rotation of the corresponding cam element about the central axis ofthe cam shaft 201. In various embodiments, the cam follower 220 maycomprise an upper portion and a lower portion, defined by a portion ofthe cam follower 220 above the central axis of the cam follower shaft223 (e.g., the axis of rotation of the cam follower 220) and below thecentral axis of the cam follower shaft 223, respectively. In variousembodiments, at least one of the plurality of cam element interfaces maybe disposed within a lower portion of the cam follower 220 while atleast one of the plurality of cam element interfaces may be disposedwithin an upper portion of the cam follower 220. For example, asillustrated, the first cam element interface 221 may be positionedwithin the lower portion of the cam follower 220 and the second camelement interface 222 may be positioned within an upper portion of thecam follower 220.

As described in greater detail herein, an exemplary cam element may beconfigured such that a radial distance between the central axis of thecam shaft 201 (e.g., a rotational axis of the cam element) and an outerperipheral surface of the cam element may vary as, measured at variousangular locations about the periphery of the cam element. For example,wherein the peripheral profile of a cam element 211 is defined by anon-constant radius (e.g., between the outer peripheral surface and thecentral axis of the cam shaft 201) and wherein the cam element interface221 of the cam follower 220 may be configured to remain in contact withthe outer surface of the cam element 211, the cam element 211 may applya variable force to the cam element interface 221 in contact therewithas the cam element 211 rotates about the central axis of the cam shaft201. As the cam element 211 rotates about the central axis of the camshaft 201, the cam element interface 221 may transition from contactinga first angular portion of the cam element 211 to contacting a secondangular portion of the cam element 211, wherein the second angularportion of the cam element 211 comprises a larger radius than the firstangular portion. In such a circumstance, the cam element 211 may exert apushing force onto the corresponding first cam element interface 221 inan outward radial direction. Similarly, as the cam element 212 rotatesabout the central axis of the cam shaft 201, the cam element interface222 may transition from contacting a first angular portion of the camelement 212 to contacting a second angular portion of the cam element212, wherein the second angular portion of the cam element 212 comprisesa larger radius than does the first angular portion. In such acircumstance, the cam element 212 may exert a pushing force onto thecorresponding first cam element interface 222 in an outward radialdirection.

In various embodiments, the first cam element interface 221 of the camfollower 220 may be positioned within a lower portion of the camfollower 220 and the second cam element interface 222 may be positionedwithin an upper portion of the cam follower 220, as described herein.Accordingly, wherein a force is applied to either the first cam elementinterface 221 or the second cam element interface 222 by a cam element211, 212 in contact therewith, the force may be transmitted to eitherthe upper portion or the lower portion of the cam follower 220, causingthe cam follower 220 to rotate in either a clockwise or counterclockwisedirection about the central axis of the cam follower shaft 223 inresponse. For example, in the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG.5, as the second cam element 212 is rotated about the central axis ofthe cam shaft 201 such that the peripheral profile thereof causes aforce to be applied to the second cam element interface 222 in aradially outward direction, the force may be transmitted to an upperportion of the cam follower, thereby causing the cam follower 220 torotate about the cam follower shaft 223 in a counterclockwise direction.Further, as shown, as first cam element 211 is rotated about the centralaxis of the cam shaft 201 such that the peripheral profile thereofcauses a force to be applied to the first cam element interface 221 in aradially outward direction, the force may be transmitted to a lowerportion of the cam follower, thereby causing the cam follower 220 torotate about the cam follower shaft 223 in a clockwise direction.

As described herein, a diversion actuation assembly of a diverter wheelset 121 may further comprise rigid linear motion arm 231 connected tothe cam follower 220 such that the rotation of the cam follower 220about a central axis of the cam follower shaft 223 may result in thelinear displacement of the rigid linear motion arm 231. A rigid linearmotion arm 231 may comprise a component configured to translate therotational motion of a cam follower 220 attached thereto into a linearforce that may transmitted to one or more diverter assembly 100components in order to reconfigure the directional configuration of theplurality of wheels 124 of a diverter wheel set 121 from a firstdirectional configuration to a second directional configuration. Therigid linear motion arm 231 may comprise a first end and a second end.For example, the first end of the linear motion arm 231 may be securedto a cam follower 220 and the second end of the rigid linear motion arm231 may be operatively attached to each of the plurality of wheels 124(e.g., via the wheel set synchronization element 232 and/or a wheelinterface attachment 233). As shown in FIG. 5, wherein the conjugate cam210 transmits a force to an upper portion of the cam follower 220 suchthat the cam follower 220 rotates about the cam follower shaft 223 in acounterclockwise direction, the force received by the cam follower 220may be transmitted to the rigid linear motion arm as a pushing force atthe first end of the rigid linear motion arm 231 in a direction towardsthe second end of the rigid linear motion arm 231. Further, wherein theconjugate cam 210 transmits a force to a lower portion of the camfollower 220 such that the cam follower 220 rotates about the camfollower shaft 223 in a clockwise direction, the force received by thecam follower 220 may be transmitted to the rigid linear motion arm 231as a pulling force at the first end of the rigid linear motion arm 231in a direction away from the second end of the rigid linear motion arm231. For example, the bidirectional linear displacement of the secondend of the rigid linear motion arm 231, which may be generated based atleast in part on the configuration of the conjugate cam 210 and/or thecam follower 220 engaged therewith, may define a range of motionextending in a direction that is at least substantially parallel to acentral axis of the diverter wheel set base 240.

In various embodiments, the second end of the rigid linear motion arm231 may be connected to a wheel interface attachment 233. As describedherein, the wheel interface attachment 233 may be configured tooperatively connect the rigid linear motion arm 231 to a wheel setsynchronization element 232 such that a directional force acting on therigid linear motion arm 231 (e.g., from the cam follower 220) may betransferred to the wheel set synchronization element 232. The wheelinterface attachment 233 may comprise a range of motion that may be atleast substantially similar to that of the second end of the rigidlinear motion arm 231. Accordingly, where the wheel interface attachment233 may be attached to the wheel set synchronization element 232, thewheel set synchronization element 232 may also comprise a range ofmotion that is at least substantially similar to that of the second endof the rigid linear motion arm 231.

As described herein, the wheel set synchronization element 232 maycomprise a means by which the directional configuration of each of theplurality of wheels 124 of a diverter wheel set may be simultaneouslycontrolled. In various embodiments, the wheel set synchronizationelement 232 may comprise a substantially rigid element that isoperatively attached to each of the plurality of wheels 124 (e.g., wheelpairs) of a diverter wheel set (e.g., via each of the wheel pair frameelement 235, each of the rotatable wheel stems 234, and/or the like).Accordingly, the bi-directional linear displacement of the wheel setsynchronization element 232, corresponding to that of the second end ofthe rigid linear motion arm 231 caused by the rotational displacement ofthe cam follower 220, may cause each of the plurality of wheels 124(e.g., wheel pairs) to which the wheel set synchronization element 232is operatively connected to rotate about a respective vertical axisdefined by the rotatable wheel stem 234. For example, where the camelements 211, 212 of the conjugate cam 210 are engaged with the camfollower 220 (e.g., the cam element interfaces 221, 222) so as togenerate a pushing force at the rigid linear motion arm 231, the secondend of the rigid linear motion arm 231, and thus, the wheel setsynchronization element 232, as described herein, may be linearlydisplaced, in a first linear direction. Based at least in part on anoperative attachment of the wheel set synchronization element 232 toeach of the plurality of rotatable wheel stems 234 respectivelysupporting the plurality of wheels 124 of a diverter wheel set, thelinear displacement of the wheel set synchronization element 232 maygenerate a rotational force at each of the rotatable wheel stems 234.The rotational force transmitted to each of the plurality of rotatablewheel stems 234 may cause each respective rotatable wheel stems 234 torotate about the central vertical axis defined by the respectiverotatable wheel stem 234. Accordingly, each of the plurality of wheels124 of the diverter wheel set may experience an angular displacementhaving a magnitude corresponding at least in part to that of the lineardisplacement of the wheel set synchronization element 232 and/or therigid linear motion arm 231.

As described herein, the diverter apparatus 100 may be configured toutilize the conjugate cam 210 and cam follower 220 to generaterotational forces at each of the plurality of wheels 124 of a diverterwheel set such that the wheels may rotate from a first angularconfiguration to a second angular configuration, and further from thesecond angular configuration, back to the first angular configuration,wherein the first angular configuration and the second angularconfiguration comprise a straight directional configuration and adiversion configuration. A conjugate cam 210, using a plurality of camelements 211, 212, as described herein, may be configured to generateboth a pulling force and, separately, a pushing force at the rigidlinear motion arm 231 (e.g., via the corresponding cam follower 220) inorder to selectively control the directional configuration of thediverter apparatus between two corresponding directional configurations.For example, the conjugate cam 210 may be configured such that as thecam shaft 201 rotates and drives the cam elements 211, 212 through atleast a first portion of the rotational (e.g., angular) range of motionabout the central axis of the cam shaft 201, the cam elements 211, 212may collectively engage the cam follower 220 so as to stabilize the camfollower 220 in a rotational configuration about the cam follower shaft223 that causes the rigid linear motion arm 231 to move the wheel setsynchronization element 232 such that each of the plurality of wheels124 of the diverter wheel set is in a diversion configuration. Theconjugate cam 210 may be further configured such that as the cam shaft201 continues to rotate and drive the cam elements 211, 212 through atleast a second portion of the rotational (e.g., angular) range of motionabout the central axis of the cam shaft 201, the cam elements 211, 212may collectively engage the cam follower 220 so as to stabilize the camfollower 220 in a rotational configuration about the cam follower shaft223 that causes the rigid linear motion arm 231 to move the wheel setsynchronization element 232 such that each of the plurality of wheels124 of the diverter wheel set is in a straight directionalconfiguration.

As described the directional configuration of the plurality of wheels124 of a diverter wheel set is based at least in part on theconfiguration and/or positioning relative to a diverter wheel set base240 of a rigid linear motion arm 231 connected to the cam follower 220.In various embodiments, the angular disposition of the plurality ofwheels 124 of a diverter wheel set in one or more directionalconfigurations may be selectively modified by adjusting the lateralposition of the diverter wheel set base 240 along an axis extendingbetween the two side frame panels of the diverter apparatus 100 relativeto the rigid linear motion arm 231. For example, in various embodiments,a diverter wheel set base 240 may comprise a plurality of attachmentfeatures (e.g., apertures, bolts, screws, hooks, latches, and/or thelike) which may be selectively utilized so as to position the diverterwheel set base 240 in a particular lateral position relative to therigid linear motion arm 231 so as to define and/or eliminate an offsetangle defined by a directional configuration. Alternatively, oradditionally, the lateral position of the diverter wheel set base 240relative to the rigid linear motion arm 231 may be selectively adjustedby modifying the configuration of the rigid linear motion arm 231. Forexample, in various embodiments, the rigid linear motion arm 231 may beextendable and retractable so as to facilitate the adjustability of theangular arrangement of the plurality of wheels 124 of a diverter wheelset and, accordingly, one or more of the directional configurations ofthe diverter apparatus.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of various components of anexemplary diverter apparatus in accordance with an example embodiment.In particular, FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary camassembly in accordance with an example embodiment. As illustrated, a camassembly 200 of an exemplary diverter apparatus may comprise a pluralityof conjugate cams disposed along a length of a cam shaft 201. Forexample, as illustrated, the plurality of conjugate cams may comprise afirst conjugate cam 210, a second conjugate cam 220, and a thirdconjugate cam 230. The plurality of conjugate cams may comprise aconjugate cam corresponding to each of the diverter wheel sets, asdescribed herein, thereby enabling the directional configuration of eachdiverter wheel set to be independently controlled. In variousembodiments, each conjugate cam 210, 220, 230 of the exemplary camassembly comprises two cam elements, which are configured to facilitatethe bidirectional movement of the plurality of wheels 124 of thecorresponding diverter wheel set between a straight directionalconfiguration and a diversion configuration, as described herein. Therotation of the cam shaft 201, and thus, each of the plurality ofconjugate cams secured thereto, may be driven by a motor, which may becommunicatively connected to the cam shaft via one or more electricalconnections 202.

In various embodiments, each of the plurality of conjugate cams may besecured to the cam shaft the rate of rotation of the conjugate cam aboutthe central axis of the cam shaft 201 may be defined by the rate ofrotation of the cam shaft 201. For example, the rate of rotation of eachof the plurality of conjugate cams may be at least substantially equal.In various embodiments, one or more conjugate cams may be fixed in anangular configuration about the central axis of the cam shaft 201 thatis different than that of one or more of the other conjugate cams. Forexample, as illustrated, each of the plurality of conjugate cams 210,220, 230 may be angularly offset from the other conjugate cams of theplurality. In such a configuration, the cam assembly may be configuredto change the directional configuration of each of the correspondingdiverter wheel sets at different times relative to one another. Forexample, as described herein, the plurality of conjugate cams may beconfigured so as to sequentially change the directional configuration ofthe plurality of diverter wheel sets so as to efficiently accommodateone or more packages traveling along a diverter conveyor surface, asdescribed herein.

FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate various components of an exemplary diverterapparatus in accordance with an example embodiment. In particular, FIG.7A illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary conjugate cam inaccordance with various embodiments. Further, FIGS. 7B-7C illustratecross-sectional views of various cam elements of an exemplary conjugatecam in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, conjugatecam 210 may comprise a first cam element 211 and a second cam element212, which may be arranged at least substantially proximate to oneanother such that both cam elements 211, 212 may be simultaneouslyengaged by the same cam follower, as described herein. In variousembodiments, the two cam elements of a conjugate cam may be fixedlysecured to one another such that they may not move relative to oneanother. Further, each cam element 211, 212 may comprise an internalaperture 213 configured to receive at least a portion of the length of acam shaft such that conjugate cam 210 may be fixedly secured to anexternal surface of the cam shaft extending therethrough.

In various embodiments, each cam element may comprise a peripheralprofile defined by an outer peripheral surface thereof. For example, theouter peripheral surface of each cam element may be configured to engagea respective portion of the cam follower corresponding to conjugate cam210. As illustrated in FIGS. 7B and 7C, respectively, the peripheralprofiles of both the first cam element 211 and the second cam element212 may be selectively configured so as to generate one or more forcesat a cam follower engaged therewith as the conjugate cam rotates aboutthe central axis of the cam shaft in a corresponding direction.

FIGS. 8A-8C illustrate various components of an exemplary diverterapparatus in accordance with an example embodiment. In particular, FIGS.8A-8C illustrate various side views of exemplary conjugate cams arrangedin various angular configurations about a center axis of a cam shaft inaccordance with various embodiments. As illustrated, FIGS. 8A-8C depictconjugate cam 210 in three progressive angular configurations, which,collectively, may define at least a portion of the various angularconfigurations exhibited by a conjugate cam that is rotated about thecentral axis of a cam shaft so as to cause a diverter wheel setcomprising a first directional configuration to transition to a seconddirectional configuration and, subsequently, to transition back to thefirst directional configuration, as described herein. As describedherein, the first directional configuration may be a straightdirectional configuration and the second directional configuration maybe a diversion configuration. In various embodiments, conjugate cam 210may be configured so as to facilitate the two aforementioned transitionsin directional configuration (e.g., the transition from straightdirectional configuration to a diversion configuration and,subsequently, back to a straight directional configuration) during, forexample, a single rotation of the conjugate cam 210 about the centralaxis of cam shaft (e.g., wherein the conjugate cam 210 traveled throughan angular range of motion totaling 360° when measured from a startingposition).

In various embodiments, conjugate cam 210 may comprise a first camelement 211 and a second cam element 212. The first cam element 211 maybe configured to apply a force to an exemplary cam follower, asdescribed herein, throughout at least a portion of the rotation of theconjugate cam 210 so as to cause a corresponding diverter wheel set totransition from a first directional configuration, such as, for example,a straight directional configuration, to a second directionalconfiguration, such as, for example, a diversion configuration. Further,the second cam element 212 may be configured to apply a force to theexemplary cam follower, as described herein, throughout at least aportion of the rotation of the conjugate cam 210 so as to cause thediverter wheel set to transition from a diversion configuration back tothe straight direction configuration. In various embodiments, therotation of a cam element 211, 212 about the central axis of the camshaft may be defined by at least two distinct periods: an active windowand a dwell window. An active window of a cam element may comprise theportion of the rotation of the conjugate cam 210 about the central axisof the cam shaft wherein the cam element applies a driving force to thecam follower sufficient to transition the diverter wheel to a particulardirectional configuration corresponding therewith. Alternatively, adwell window of a cam element may comprise the remaining portion of therotation of the conjugate cam 210 about the central axis of the camshaft, wherein the cam element does not apply sufficient force to thecam follower so as to configure the diverter wheel set in thedirectional configuration associated with the cam element. In variousembodiments, the total angular rotation of a cam element travelingthrough an active window may comprise an angle of at least substantiallybetween 15-180 degrees (e.g., between 60-120 degrees).

As a non-limiting example, in various embodiments, a diverter apparatusmay comprise conjugate cam 210 configured to control the directionalconfiguration of a corresponding diverter wheel set, the conjugate cam210 being configured to interact with a corresponding cam follower (notshown) in accordance with various embodiments described herein. FIG. 8Ashows the conjugate cam 210 in a first angular configuration about thecentral axis of the cam shaft. For example, the angular configuration ofthe conjugate cam 210 illustrated in FIG. 8A may correspond to adiverter wheel set comprising a straight directional configuration.Further, FIG. 8B shows the conjugate cam 210 having rotated in acounterclockwise direction about the central axis of the cam shaft arotational distance defined by angle of rotation 214. Similarly, FIG. 8Cshows the conjugate cam 210 having further rotated in a counterclockwisedirection about the central axis of the cam shaft a rotational distancedefined by angle of rotation 214. In various embodiments, based at leastin part on the configuration of the cam follower, as described herein,the rotation exhibited by the conjugate cam 210 from the angularconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 8A to that illustrated in FIG. 8B,defined by the angle of rotation 214, may define the active window ofthe first cam element 211. In such a circumstance, the angularconfiguration of the conjugate cam 210 illustrated in FIG. 8B maycorrespond to a diverter wheel set comprising a diversion configuration.Conversely, the rotation exhibited by the conjugate cam 210 and definedby the angle of rotation 214 as indicated by the exemplary angularconfiguration of the conjugate cam 210 in FIG. 8B, may define at least aportion of the active window of the second cam element 212. As describedherein, the utilization of the plurality of cam elements of a conjugatecam in conjunction with a selective angular rotation of the cam shaftengaged with the conjugate cam enables a diverter apparatus comprising abidirectional range of motion between two directional configurationswithout requiring extraneous mechanical and/or pneumatic components.

In various embodiments, the cam assembly may be configured such that theactive window of the second cam element 212 may be defined by a reversedrotation of the conjugate cam 210, wherein the rotation is defined by aclockwise rotation of the conjugate cam 210 through the angle ofrotation 214 illustrated in FIG. 8B, such that the conjugate cam 210 mayreturn to the angular configuration illustrated in FIG. 8A. In such acircumstance, as described above, the angular configuration of theconjugate cam 210 may correspond to a diverter wheel set comprising astraight directional configuration.

In various embodiments, wherein the diverter apparatus comprises aplurality of diverter wheel sets, the cam assembly may be configuredsuch that the cam shaft will continue to rotate in the counterclockwisedirection until each of the diverter wheel sets comprises a diversionconfiguration. For example, the diverter apparatus (e.g., the pluralityof conjugate cams) may be configured such that each of the diverterwheel sets may be transitioned from a straight directional configurationto a diversion configuration prior to and/or as the angle of rotation214 of the cam shaft reaches 180°. In such an exemplary circumstance, asillustrated in FIG. 8C, the cam element 211 may be configured such thatthe rotation of the conjugate cam 210 between the angle of rotationillustrated in FIG. 8B and that shown in FIG. 8C may define at least aportion of the dwell window of the cam element 211, as described herein.

In various embodiments, the configuration of the peripheral profile ofeach cam element 211, 212 and the cam follower associated therewith(e.g., defining the active window of each of the cam elements) may beadjusted to accommodate a plurality of diverter apparatus configurationssuch as, for example, the number of diverter wheel sets, thepredetermined sequencing of the respective diverter wheel sets, thewidth of the diverter conveyor surface, the number of required diverterapparatus directional configurations, and/or the like.

Many modifications and other embodiments will come to mind to oneskilled in the art to which this disclosure pertains having the benefitof the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and theassociated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that thedisclosure is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedand that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A diverter apparatus comprising: a diverterconveyor surface configured to transport an object disposed thereon toone of a plurality of adjacent conveyor locations based at least in parton a directional configuration thereof, wherein the directionalconfiguration of the diverter conveyor surface may be configurablebetween at least a first directional configuration and a seconddirectional configuration, each directional configuration correspondingto one of the plurality of adjacent conveyor locations; and a pluralityof wheel sets, each wheel set comprising a wheel set base and aplurality of wheels coupled to the wheel set base, the plurality ofwheels defining at least a portion of the diverter conveyor surface,wherein the directional configuration of each of the plurality of wheelsets is independently configurable; and wherein the directionalconfiguration of each of the plurality of wheel sets is selectivelymodified by adjusting a lateral position of the corresponding wheel setbase.
 2. The diverter apparatus of claim 1, further comprising aplurality of cams respectively corresponding to the plurality of wheelsets, wherein each of the plurality of wheel sets corresponds to one ofthe plurality of cams, and wherein each of the plurality of cams isconfigured to control the directional configuration of a correspondingwheel set of the plurality of wheel sets.
 3. The diverter apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein each of the plurality of cams comprises a differentangular configuration about a cam shaft engaged therewith.
 4. Thediverter apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of wheelsets comprises a different directional configuration.
 5. The diverterapparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the wheel set bases is configuredto support a corresponding plurality of wheels of a corresponding wheelset of the plurality of wheel sets so as to restrict linear displacementof each of the corresponding plurality of wheels of the correspondingwheel set relative to the wheel set base.
 6. The diverter apparatus ofclaim 5, wherein the wheel set base is selectively adjustable between aplurality of wheel set base positions, wherein the directionalconfiguration of each of the plurality of wheel sets may be based atleast in part on the wheel set base position of the corresponding wheelset base.
 7. The diverter apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: acam follower; and a cam comprising a rotational range of motion about acam shaft axis, the cam being physically engaged with the cam followerand where at least one force generated by a rotational motion of the camcauses a change of the directional configuration of the diverterconveyor surface.
 8. The diverter apparatus of claim 7, wherein the camcomprises a conjugate cam.
 9. The diverter apparatus of claim 7, whereinthe at least one force comprises a first force and a second force,wherein the diverter apparatus is configured to utilize the first forcegenerated by a rotational motion of the cam to transition thedirectional configuration of the diverter conveyor surface from thefirst directional configuration to the second directional configuration,and wherein the diverter apparatus is further configured to utilize thesecond force generated by the rotational motion of the cam to transitionthe directional configuration of the diverter conveyor surface from thesecond directional configuration to the first directional configuration.10. The diverter apparatus of claim 8, wherein the conjugate camcomprises a first cam element and a second cam element, both the firstcam element and the second cam element being configured to physicallyengage the cam follower.
 11. The diverter apparatus of claim 9, whereinthe at least one force comprises a first force and a second force,wherein the first cam element is configured to transmit the first forceto the cam follower, and wherein the second cam element is configured totransmit the second force to the cam follower.
 12. The diverterapparatus of claim 7, wherein the cam follower is configured to rotateabout a cam follower axis based at least in part on the rotationalmotion of the cam physically engaged therewith.
 13. The diverterapparatus of claim 12, wherein the cam follower is configured to rotateboth a clockwise direction and a counterclockwise direction about thecam follower axis based at least in part on the rotational motion of thecam physically engaged therewith.
 14. The diverter apparatus of claim 1,further comprising a wheel set drive assembly configured to drive atleast one of a plurality of wheels defining at least a portion of thediverter conveyor surface so as to facilitate movement of the objectalong the diverter conveyor surface.
 15. A method of selectivelyconfiguring a directional configuration of a diverter apparatus, themethod comprising: transitioning a conveyor surface comprising aplurality of wheel sets from the first directional configuration to thesecond directional configuration, wherein each wheel set comprises awheel set base and a plurality of wheels coupled to the wheel set base,the plurality of wheels defining at least a portion of the conveyorsurface; and transitioning the conveyor surface from the seconddirectional configuration to the first directional configuration,wherein the directional configuration of each of the plurality of wheelsets is independently configurable; and wherein the directionalconfiguration of each of the plurality of wheel sets is selectivelymodified by adjusting a lateral position of the corresponding wheel setbase.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising selectivelyreconfiguring the directional configuration of a first wheel set of theplurality of wheel sets of the conveyor surface based at least in parton a determination that the first wheel set is physically engaged withat least a portion of an object disposed upon the conveyor surface. 17.The method of claim 15, wherein the method further comprises selectivelyadjusting the wheel set base of a corresponding wheel set of theplurality of wheel sets between a plurality of wheel set base positions,wherein the wheel set base is configured to support the plurality ofwheels of the corresponding wheel set so as to restrict lineardisplacement of each of the plurality of wheels of the correspondingwheel set relative to the wheel set base, and wherein the directionalconfiguration of the corresponding wheel set of the plurality of wheelsets may be based at least in part on a wheel set base position of thewheel set base.